Off to The Ladybrook on a dreich winter’s evening to play Stockport B. My opponent was Dave Toole, who I haven’t played before, and we both produced a game to remember – error-strewn, but fascinating in the way it shows the complexity of chess, and the way a game can swing from one side to the other.

If you would like to see the game, give yourself some time to do so, in order to appreciate the swings, the roundabouts and the might-have-beens! It’s here.

Meeting at the Vic club to travel to Marple

Marple is not the ideal away fixture, being located at the back end of beyond. In recent seasons, the chess-playing strength that Marple can call on has been another reason why it is not an ideal fixture, as attested by the result of our cup match against them last month, when we were thrashed 6-0.

Bob Clark going down to Andrew Horton with John Turner looking on.

We had lost our away league match by 5-1 back in October, so we knew we were up against it when they arrived (having travelled to their own “back end of beyond”, no doubt) for the return match last week. With just Ian’s game against Nigel Livesey to go, we were 3-2 down, and it looked as though the last game would clinch the matter for Marple. However, Ian’s h pawn performed miracles, and the victorious conclusion of the game resulted in a drawn match – the first match point that Marple has dropped this season.

Ian’s game is well worth seeing here. I think that, while the game is far from faultless, it has qualities which should make it a contender for “Game of the Season” – see the link at the top of the page.

On January 24th, we entertained Stockport at the Vic club. They arrived with a typically strong team, including a blast from the past, Phil Siddall, who hasn’t played for them for a number of years. However, their board six turned out to be very weak – a certain Mr D. Fault – so we got off to a good start, one that got even better when Andy Raeburn concluded a nice attack with a pretty and unusual mate, which can be seen here.

Stuart had a typically interesting game against Andy Reeve. Soon after the position in the above photo, he relieved the pressure against his position by sacrificing his queen for a bishop and knight. Andy did not adapt to the new situation optimally, and Stuart developed a nice initiative. As usual, his game was the last to finish, and the result of the match depended upon it!

The game approached its climax with the position finely balanced and Stuart ahead of Andy on time. As so often, however, the complexity of the game and the shortage of time forced both players to agree to a draw. And with that result, the match was also drawn.

And the most exciting match of the season yet! With the score tied at 2-2, the match depended on the results from the top two boards, where our Stuart Clarke took on Ali Janooby, and John Turner played Mitchell Burke.

On Board 2, John was pressing for a win, but the clock shows that he has 10 minutes left to Mitchell’s 34 minutes. Not a good ratio for a far from simple endgame. Meanwhile, on Board 1, a similar scenario developed – Stuart was way behind Ali on time, but it was not clear who had the advantage in a very complicated position, with both kings feeling uneasy.

Matters developed on both boards, anxiously watched by both teams. John managed to develop a clear win, but was left with excruciating time trouble, while Stuart gained the upper hand, but also looked likely to lose on time.

Matters came to a head on Board 2 first. With a clear win on the board but seconds left on his clock, John headed towards checkmating his opponent, but under overwhelming pressure, put his queen on the wrong square and allowed a stalemate.

The match now depended on Stuart’s result. He had a winning position, but did not have the time to win it. However, he did have the time to repeat a position three times, achieving the draw which concluded the match 3-3. You can see this excellent game here.

From our captain of the Stockport League team, John Turner:

Guys,

I am delighted to advise that Holmes Chapel won the Charnley Cup last
night against Stockport Blues. The Blues turned out a fortified team,
as is their wont on these occasions, but we managed a 3-3 draw,
winning on elimination, and thereby avenging  last year’s knock out by
the same process. We have done the double in the Stockport League,
Yeeha!

On the night, your skipper won the toss and chose white on odd boards,
a critical factor in winning by elimination, as nobody on either side
won with the Black pieces. Match winner was Bob who splatted Beach’s
pawns and pieces in a welter of checks leading to mate, a joy to
watch, match saver was Ian who finished last, keeping out his opponent
and reaching a drawn bishops of oposite colour ending.

We were outgraded on every board, on average by 16 points, a fine
achievement by all.

Regards from a grateful captain,

John

TOTALS :  3 – 3